Laisul Hoque has been named the winner of the 2025 East London Art Prize, awarded by Bow Arts. This prize, which promotes East London’s diverse artistic talent, rewards Hoque with £15,000 and a solo exhibition at the Nunnery Gallery in 2026. His piece, ‘An Ode to All the Flavours’, is an interactive installation inspired by his childhood memories, encouraging visitors to explore themes of love and communication through food.

The installation supports the social enterprise Oitij-jo Kitchen, which empowers local Bengali women. The runner-up of the competition, Lydia Newman, receives free studio space for a year. Newman’s work, ‘In the Wake of Ruin, She is Here’, delves into concepts of race, class, and gender through a multidisciplinary lens.

Helen Simms, Manager of Arts & Events at Bow Arts, expressed pride in recognizing both Hoque and Newman, highlighting the Prize’s role in supporting local artists. This year marks Bow Arts’ 30th anniversary, emphasising their commitment to artistic excellence and community involvement.

The panel for the prize selection included Jonny Tanna, Louise Benson, Phoebe Collins-James, and Sam Wilkinson, who chose Hoque and Newman from a competitive shortlist of 12 artists. Close to 900 submissions were received from artists within the ‘E’ postcode. The shortlist exhibition is currently on display at the Nunnery Gallery until 13th April 2025.

All shortlisted artists are provided with mentoring and career development support in the following year. The inaugural prize winner was filmmaker Kat Anderson. Laisul Hoque, born in Dhaka in 1998, draws on his experiences to create art that reflects on communication and societal norms.

The East London Art Prize, established by Bow Arts in 2023, aims to highlight and celebrate the rich artistic landscape of East London. It offers significant financial support and exhibition opportunities to emerging artists, fostering their development and providing a platform for community engagement through art. The Prize has attracted a large number of submissions, reflecting the vibrant artistic community within the area.

Laisul Hoque’s victory in the East London Art Prize not only recognises his artistic contributions but also highlights the importance of food and memories in expressing love. The Prize continues to support local artists like Lydia Newman, fostering a creative community. Bow Arts’ commitment to nurturing talent remains strong as they celebrate their milestone anniversary and continue to empower artists through comprehensive support.

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Bow Arts has unveiled the 12 shortlisted artists for the 2025 East London Art Prize, which recognises and uplifts the rich artistic talent in East London. Chosen from over 870 entries, the artists include Darcey Fleming, Eugene Macki, Fatima Ali, and others, highlighting a diverse range of themes such as migration, mental health, and social justice. A shortlist exhibition will precede the announcement of the £15,000 winner, along with studio space for the runner-up and continued support for all shortlisted artists. The inaugural prize winner was Kat Anderson, recognised for her impactful work.

The East London Art Prize, launched in 2023, aims to celebrate local artistic talent and provide a platform for emerging and established artists. With a diverse selection of submissions, the prize not only showcases artistic innovation but also reflects significant societal themes through various media, including painting, sculpture, and performance. This initiative, rooted in local culture, offers mentorship and professional opportunities, reinforcing Bow Arts’ commitment to fostering creativity in East London.

Bow Arts continues to champion the vibrant art scene in East London through the East London Art Prize, supporting both established and emerging artists. The shortlisted exhibition and associated opportunities aim to enhance visibility and recognition for local talent, showcasing critical cultural narratives. With significant financial awards and support structures, the prize reinforces the importance of community in the arts.

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The Nunnery Gallery’s exhibition, “In the Footsteps of the East London Group,” showcases a remarkable synthesis of historical and contemporary art. Spanning the works of the East London Group from the 1920s and 1930s alongside 22 contemporary artists, it highlights the evolving relationship between artists and their environments. Works from both eras illustrate stark contrasts: contemporaries offer vibrant urban scenes, while earlier pieces reflect a harsher, muted reality. Despite the dramatic changes in London, the exhibition reveals persistent themes and connections between the artworks, fostering a dialogue across generations. Celebrated artists like David Hepner and Doreen Fletcher engage with the historical context of their predecessors, creating a rich tapestry that invites viewers to reflect on the past and its influence on present artistry. The exhibition runs until 22 December, accompanied by a published volume, ensuring the dialogue continues beyond the gallery’s walls.

The exhibition, “In the Footsteps of the East London Group,” explores the artistic lineage from the East London Group, which featured emerging artists influenced by figures like Walter Sickert. This group arose amidst a rapidly changing urban landscape in East London, characterized by a post-industrial aesthetic. The exhibition juxtaposes their works with contemporary artists, examining how perceptions of space and environment have shifted over time while maintaining a connection to the area’s artistic heritage.

The exhibition not only pays homage to the East London Group but also serves to invigorate conversations around the evolution of urban art. It highlights the contrasts between the muted tones of the early 20th century and the vibrant expressions of today, encouraging viewers to consider how historical contexts shape contemporary perspectives. Ultimately, the interplay between these two artistic eras enriches both the past and the present, making it a noteworthy cultural experience.

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